Jazzy night for Jack and Jill fundraiser
If your listening tastes welcome the sweet sound of jazz music, check out the upcoming “Jazz on the Hill” on Sunday, May 27, at Octavia’s Activity Center.
Not only is it a good chance to hear live jazz performed by the talented Michael Rhodes and the Jive Band, it’s also a chance to help the Texarkana Twin Cities Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. raise funds for the national foundation and local programs.
Starting at 7 p.m., Michael Rhodes and his band will play jazz and R&B fusion, says Kimberly Bursey-Reece, foundation chair at the local chapter. The event runs until 11 p.m.
“We have the same core crowd every year and Michael has gotten to know them and what they like so makes sure there is a little something for everyone. This is an opportunity to eat, dance, mix and mingle while supporting a great
cause,” Bursey-Reece said.
In addition to the national foundation, the funds also support the local non-profits Fifty-Men Plus and the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club. Also, the foundation arm of Jack and Jill of America distributes funds nationally to local communities.
Specifically, the foundation supports programs that teach children leadership skills and build their character, empowering youth to make good choices in life. According to Jack and Jill of America, these programs help students boost their test scores and increase their abilities in math and literacy.
Jack and Jill of America Foundation describes its vision this way: “Our vision is to transform AfricanAmerican communities, one child at a time.”
And its mission: “Strengthening our ability to champion solutions essential to the future success of our children is at the top of our agenda. Despite the progress that is being made in developing our children as tomorrow’s leaders, we know that there is no time to rest. Many trends still persist, or are developing, that demonstrate the need to be dutiful in exerting our human and financial strength. It is only in this way that we can influence national policy related to developing future leaders.”
(Tickets: $30, which includes dinner and drinks. Octavia’s Activity Center is located at 2314 Texas Boulevard in Texarkana, Texas. Visit Eventbrite.com or the Jazz on the Hill Foundation Fundraiser page on Facebook to buy tickets. More info: kmbursey@aol.com.)